ALESSANDRA BITELLI

"Along the Columbia River"

Originally employed as an illustrator for children’s books in Italy, Alessandra Bitelli came to Canada in 1979. Now a senior member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Bitelli explores modern concepts in her paintings while maintaining delicate balance between the contemporary and the traditional. Mary Southerst of Buckland Southerst Gallery has been carrying Bitelli’s work since opening her West Vancouver gallery in 1999. Southerst is especially drawn to the artist’s use of composition and texture and says Bitelli is “always experimenting... though she is an older lady she is a very contemporary painter.” Every year Bitelli also donates her talents, designing Christmas cards for various local charities. Bitelli has also designed and painted 26 stained glass windows for Christ the Redeemer Church in West Vancouver. Alessandra Bitelli’s work is exhibited at the Buckland Southerst Gallery in West Vancouver March 5 to 14, 2004. Bitelli’s paintings can also be found at the Federation Gallery on Granville Island.